G20 wall says it all
05 August 2010 | 
Author: doctor |
Amy Dempsey, Toronto Star - 04 August 2010
Marching and chanting? That is so six weeks ago.
If you have more to say about G20 weekend, there’s still time — and space — to air your protest grievances graffiti-style in Kensington Market.
The “Your G20 Stories” wall, located on the side of a small building at the corner of Augusta Ave. and Nassau St., has been collecting tales of protest woe since that fateful weekend.
It’s supposed to be a space to share stories, but over the past five weeks it has turned into a smorgasbord of mixed opinion, rage and humour that mirrors the drama of the G20 summit’s aftermath.
As with many works of graffiti art, obscenities scream from the wall.
“F--- the police!” reads a comment from one unoriginal individual.
We’ve all heard that before. Others take the cussing a few steps further with one offering a crude description of Officer Bubbles.
Perhaps aiming to counter the intensity of the commenting majority, some people offered up wit.
“I went to G20 and I got a good suntan!” wrote one happy protester.
“We went to Wasaga,” reads another comment, signed off with a heart.
Others share their G20 protest stories.
“My bag was confiscated. All I had was water and bandages.”
“Arrested for ‘Breach of Peace’ while sitting cross-legged, holding peace signs in each hand, was kicked by riot cops while in this position.”
A few writers slam protesters and defend law enforcement.
“The police are your protectors. You are shameful and indecent people.”
“Professional s--- disturbers should move to lawless countries. You would all be dead!”
Predictably, a few conspiracy theories are scrawled on the wall.
“The Saturday protest on Spadina and College: I swear they were putting drugs in the air from helicopters above. All of a sudden I felt so drowsy and so did my friend.”
At the very top of the space, on a piece of green and yellow paper, one writer expresses disgust with all involved parties.
“Shameful acts on all sides. Toronto has been soiled.” (original link)
